New measures will allow more apprentices to finish their qualification, says AoC

Commenting on today's government announcement of changes to the apprenticeship system, Association of Colleges Chief Executive David Hughes said: “This is a good package of measures to help ensure apprenticeships support people and employers with less bureaucracy and cost. Together, these should ensure that more apprentices finish their qualifications and continue into good jobs.

“I am particularly pleased that the requirement for apprentices over 19 to pass their English and maths GCSE has been removed – allowing them to continue to study the literacy and numeracy skills which are relevant to their workplace without posing a barrier for thousands of them being able to move on from their apprenticeships.

“Shorter apprenticeships will allow more people to move quickly, with the right skills, into key roles in shortage sectors like renewable energy and the health service filling crucial skills gaps. Colleges across the country are ready to help train those key staff on these shorter courses.”